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Retired Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$46K - $158K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... As a professional engineer or scientist performing design, development, testing, and integration of ...

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$69K - $156K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional engineer or scientist ...

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

You will serve as an Engineer or Scientist within the Systems of Systems Engineering Branch ... Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ...

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... Degree: computer science; or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of ...

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Retired Scientist information

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$50.5K

$111.3K

$137.5K

How much do retired scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for retired scientist in the United States is $111,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientist, you need a solid educational background in a relevant scientific field, strong analytical skills, and experience conducting research. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are commonly required. Critical thinking, curiosity, and effective communication are essential soft skills that distinguish top scientists. These abilities are vital for producing reliable research, collaborating with peers, and advancing scientific knowledge.

What is the difference between Retired Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectRetired ScientistResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically holds advanced degrees (PhD or equivalent)Usually requires a PhD or master's degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentOften no active work; may engage in consulting or mentoringActive research in labs, universities, or industry
Employer & Industry UsageFormer employees, consultants, or part-time rolesFull-time employment in research institutions or companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople interested in retired professionals or consulting optionsIndividuals seeking active research roles or career info

In summary, a Retired Scientist is someone who has concluded their active research career, often engaging in consulting or mentoring, while a Research Scientist is actively involved in conducting research within labs or industry settings. The main difference lies in their current work status and engagement level in research activities.

What types of consulting or mentorship opportunities are available for retired scientists who wish to stay active in their field?

Retired scientists often find rewarding opportunities to contribute their expertise through consulting for research projects, serving on advisory boards, or mentoring early-career professionals and students. Many universities, non-profit organizations, and private companies value the depth of experience retired scientists bring, often engaging them in part-time or project-based roles. These activities not only allow retired professionals to stay updated with advances in their discipline, but also provide a flexible way to remain professionally active without the demands of full-time work.

What does it mean to be a retired scientist?

A retired scientist is someone who has completed a career in scientific research, teaching, or applied science and has now officially left the workforce, often after reaching a certain age or fulfilling required years of service. While retired, many scientists continue to contribute to their field through consulting, mentoring, volunteering, or writing. Retirement gives scientists the opportunity to focus on personal interests, pursue hobbies, or stay intellectually engaged without the demands of a full-time job. Some also remain active in professional organizations or participate in public outreach to share their expertise.
More about Retired Scientist jobs
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Retired Scientist jobs near you

Data Scientist & Analytics SME with Security Clearance

Anonymous Employer

Tampa, FL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Data Science & Analytics SME The Role
Drive the strategic integration of advanced analytics across the SOF Enterprise. Lead the data science team that transforms SOCOM data into mission decision advantage — descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics in service of senior mission owners. About the Program
The SOF Enterprise program is anchored at MacDill AFB (Tampa, FL) and extends to OCONUS sites including Germany, Korea, and Hawaii. The mission: transform the SOF Enterprise into a data-centric, AI-enabled fighting organization by providing the elite digital talent SOCOM needs Why This Role Matters
You'll work in direct contact with SOCOM CDAO leadership, briefing GO/FO-level mission owners and shaping how the SOF Enterprise uses data and AI at scale. What You'll Do
• Own the data science and analytics strategy — descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics across HQ Staff, SOF Service Components, and Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).
• Centrally manage distributed data support teams across SOF organizations at HQ echelon. Set the technical bar, mentor analysts, define team operating rhythms.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between the contractor team leadership. Brief findings to GO/FO mission owners.
• Translate operational mission questions into rigorous analytical work — frame the problem, lead the analytical team, deliver the readout.
• Drive integration of data, analytics, and AI capabilities — partner with the Data Operations Technical Lead, AI/ML engineers, and AI Product Managers to move models from notebook to production.
• Support the SOF Enterprise's adoption of integrated governance standards; align data and analytics products with SOCOM security and data strategies.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain a distributed analytics team across multiple SOF organizations. Must Have
• Active TS with SCI eligibility.
• 5+ years working in SOF analytical support roles.
• 3+ years centrally managing distributed data support teams at SOF HQ echelon.
• 3+ years experience with SOF digital capabilities.
• 3+ years experience across SOF HQ elements, SOF Service Component HQs, AND SOF Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).
• Strong Python and SQL fluency; comfortable with modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, scikit-learn, or equivalent).
• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex technical work to senior non-technical stakeholders.
Nice to Have
• Graduate degree in a quantitative field (Statistics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Applied Math, Data Science).
• Prior employment as a senior leader at Clarity Innovations, Raft, Booz Allen Hamilton SOCOM, Leidos SOCOM, SAIC, Palantir, Govini, LEVELUP, or a similar cleared-defense data firm.
• Government employment history at USSOCOM J2/J5/J8, JAIC, CDAO, or as a uniformed senior SOF officer (O-4 to O-6 retired).
• Located in Macill AFB
• Published or presented work in data science / operations research / mission analytics.
Not a Fit If
• Currently employed by the U.S. Government (Government civilians and active military are off-limits for this role).
• No active TS clearance, or clearance expired more than 24 months ago.
• Career exclusively in the commercial sector with no defense / intelligence community work.
• Pure individual-contributor track with no people-management experience. How to Apply
To apply: send your resume plus a brief note on (a) your active clearance level and (b) why you're interested in this specific role to . We respond personally to every qualified senior applicant within 3 business days. If a current Intrepid Prosperity employee referred you, please include their name. Intrepid Prosperity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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